Blooms

The first blooms have appeared in Chardonnay. The timing seems about average. Once 50% of the flowers have opened the date will be recorded and we can compare this year’s progress to past vintages. At this writing it is raining. This is far from ideal as the rain can hinder a successful pollination. However the weather looks ideal for later in the week: hot and dry. Hot is desirable so that all the flowers in a given cluster bloom quickly and together (this results in more synchronistic berry development and ripening). Dry is best for successful fertilization and good berry set (on average only 30% of the flowers will develop into grapes).

Grape flowers are disappointingly visually unattractive. But they make up for it in their aromas. The scent of a vineyard in bloom is almost intoxicating.

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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal/Field Notes: May 29, 2023